My department’s Home Tuition Grant Scheme provides funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. By its nature, it is intended to be a short-term intervention. It is the preferred approach of the department that children are educated in recognised school settings where they can access the full range of educational supports and opportunities available.
In relation to the home tuition applications referred to by the Deputy, these were received by department officials on the 14th of September 2026. Following an initial review of the applications, further information was required to progress them and was requested from the preschool provider. This information was subsequently received on the 17th of September 2026.
Applicants are advised at the outset that applications may take up to 15 working days to process, once all required documentation has been received. While the department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible, each application must be fully assessed before a decision can issue.
Applications are currently being processed and every effort is being made to conclude the assessment process at the earliest opportunity. Once completed, decisions will issue directly to the applicants.
In relation to the Deputy's suggestion that home tuition approvals be granted automatically for a two-year period, such an approach would not be in keeping with the purpose of the scheme which is to provide a compensatory educational service that is short-term in nature. Eligibility under the scheme is assessed on an annual basis or more often as the need arises for this reason. Accordingly, there is no provision for an automatic two-year approval under the scheme.
